A two-month courtship with Jackson’s municipal leaders officially ended late last week when Bippus announced he would decline their offer to serve as city manager.

Joe Bippus

Bippus, 44, has been city manager in Three Rivers for more than 10 years and has worked for the municipality for more than 13 years.

“There were a lot of things to consider and it was, truly, a big decision and a difficult decision,” Bippus said. “Taking the job would have affected my kids, my wife, me, our extended family … it boiled down to what was best for all of us."

A lifelong Three Rivers resident, Bippus earns about $90,000 a year as city manager of St. Joseph County’s second-largest city, behind Sturgis. Jackson officials were poised to offer Bippus a base salary of more than $115,000 annually and a 2 1/2-year contract.

Bippus hinted that there were a few obstacles in the proposed contract that could not be ironed out, but he declined to elaborate. Bippus reiterated that his deep roots to Three Rivers and the fact his children — ages 10, 6 and 5 — are attached to the schools they attend, played key roles in his decision.

Three Rivers, which has a population of about 7,200 residents, is on the verge of a major upgrade of its drinking-water infrastructure.

Bippus, who is the longest-serving city manager ever in Three Rivers, brings a sense of history and expertise that city commissioners said they’ll need to see the city through the impending, $5.1 million improvement. Initial details of the project were reviewed during Tuesday’s city commission meeting.

Bippus said he appreciates the offer from Jackson and viewed their faith in him as a compliment. He said he has also learned, too, that he is equally as appreciated in Three Rivers.

City Commissioner Daryl Griffith said d he is glad Bippus decided to stay. Bippus said after the meeting that he would “never say never” to taking a similar job in another community. But, for now, he is content in Three Rivers.

“In light of this situation with Jackson, I’ve grown to appreciate what I have in Three Rivers, but I also realize there could be another opportunity down the road,” Bippus said. “For now, this is where I am happiest, and my family, is, too.”